Author Archives: Terry Butler

Free St. Croix Valley Fall Photo Day Registration is Open!

Aug
11
2018
by Terry Butler | 0 Comments

Interstate Photo Day

  • Saturday, September 22
  • Wisconsin Interstate Park, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin
  • Sponsored by Twin City Area Council of Camera Clubs
  • Planned and Hosted by St. Croix Valley Camera Club

 

 

Presentations:

  • Keynote Speaker: Craig Blacklock on his book, St. Croix & Namekagon Rivers—the Enduring Gift
  • “On Being a Birding Bird Photographer”
  • “Composition-Creating Compelling Photographs”
  • “Simple Tips for Outdoor Portraits”
  • “Macro Photography”
  • “Growing as a Photographer for Novices”

Photo Opportunities:

  • —Guided photo hikes by park naturalists, a Master Gardener, and club members
  • —Self-guided photo locations—over half a dozen possibilities
  • —Photo Scavenger Hunt

Free River Boat Cruise

Please look over the other documents before you register!

You should know where the events take place as they are spread over 10 miles and you should know something about them before registering.  For example, the Pothole Photo Shoot shouldn’t be taken if you have mobility issues or you should decide which boat ride you are taking first and build your schedule around that.

Information and Registration Link

 

 

Posted in Club Event, News

August Photowalks Update!

Aug
08
2018
by Terry Butler | 0 Comments

Great Forecast!

The “Get Inside the Hive” outing will happen on August 9 and the best night for the Milky Way outing will be on Friday, August 10.  See below for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

G­et Inside the Hive

  • Date August 9
  • Time: 6:00 pm
  • 678 Edie Lane Hudson. Park on the road and walk to the house set in the woods about 100 yards from the road.

Bee There:  Get out your macro lens (for the brave) or telephoto lens (for the timid) and see what life is like inside a beehive.  You will come away with a new understanding of honey bees for sure.  The bees always welcome visitors.  Willie Gorham has been keeping honey bees for over 20 years and every year people he knows come for a visit, just to get inside the hive.  If you have bee sting allergies let him know as he has a couple of extra bee suits one can wear.

Milky Way at Deer Park Cemetery

The Milky Way season will soon be over with the core slipping below the horizon by September. 

  • Friday, August 10 wil be the best night!
  • 21­80­­-2188 WI Hwy 46, Deer Park – (about a mile south of Deer Park town center)  Enter the cemetery on the north entrance, go around and park in the center driveway and then turn off your headlights.  We will set up along the south driveway.
  • Arrive by 10:00 pm. Shooting will begin close to 10:30 pm
  • Bring a tripod, wide angle (15-24mm) fast lens (f/2.8). Pre-focus your lens to infinity during daylight hours
  • Bring warm clothes and a flashlight (red is best)
  • Bring binoculars to see Andromeda in the northeast sky

I will bring three suitable lenses to share that have Canon EF mounts.

Posted in Uncategorized

More good stuff coming this month!

Aug
06
2018
by Terry Butler | 0 Comments

Bill Donovan on Architecture

Photo by Bill Donovan

At the August 15 meeting we will have a special treat!  Bill Donovan is a photographer who takes pride in his work and enjoys shooting a diverse number of subjects from the state of Minnesota, as well as places he travels.  What started out as a hobby, has developed into a passion of using photography to capture the beauty and uniqueness of the world around us.  His hope is that through an exploration of his work you will experience the wonders of light that he captures through the lens.  Check out his web site for inspiration. 

In My Mailbox Today…

Seasons on St. Croix is a premier gallery located in downtown Hudson and they are promoting a Plein Air event.  22 local and regional artists each create 3 paintings in 3 days. “En Plein Air” is a French expression meaning “in the open air” and is particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors.  You will see artists busily working throughout the community on August 17th, 18th and 19th. Feel free to visit, chat, and learn from the artists about their technique and process … maybe even give them some hints as to where to paint in our beautiful community.  And bring your camera!

And then there was this one that made me think of my nearly four years as president!  It made me smile…

Posted in Club Meeting Info, News

A Special Place and a Special Opportunity

Aug
02
2018
by Terry Butler | 0 Comments

Our club has a special relationship with Belwin Conservancy.  For the last two years poster sized-images by our members have been on display at the Lucy Winton Bell athletic fields.  So that we will have bison images for next year’s display, a special invitation has been extended to our members.

Bison Buggy Rides for WWPC members

  • Bison Platform, Division Street Afton/West Lakeland
  • Thursday Aug 16
  • 6 – 7 pm and 7-8 pm

Because spaces are limited, it is necessary that you reply to the email notification of this post or use the contact form to reserve your place.  Don’t delay!

A long zoom lens is recommended.

Celebration of the 2018 Show and Partnership

Pinwheel Building

  • Lucy Winton Bell Athletic Fields
  • Pinwheel Building
  • Wednesday Aug 29, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
  • The public and all members are invited to the celebration!
  • Directions
Posted in Club Event, Exhibits

August Photowalks

Jul
26
2018
by Terry Butler | 0 Comments

G­et Inside the Hive

  • Date August 9 (Rain Date August 10 or August 11)
  • Time: 6:00 pm
  • 678 Edie Lane Hudson. Park on the road and walk to the house set in the woods about 100 yards from the road.

Honey Bees by Willie Gorham

Bee There:  Get out your macro lens (for the brave) or telephoto lens (for the timid) and see what life is like inside a beehive.  You will come away with a new understanding of honey bees for sure.  The bees always welcome visitors.  Willie Gorham has been keeping honey bees for over 20 years and every year people he knows come for a visit, just to get inside the hive.  If you have bee sting allergies let him know as he has a couple of extra bee suits one can wear.

 

 

Milky Way at Deer Park Cemetery

The Milky Way season will soon be over with the core slipping below the horizon by September. 

  • August 8-11 Dates are tentative as this is dependent on having clear night skies. We will go the first clear night.
  • 21­80­­-2188 WI Hwy 46, Deer Park – (about a mile south of Deer Park town center)  Enter the cemetery on the north entrance, then turn off headlights.
  • Arrive at 10:00 pm. Shooting will begin close to 10:30 pm
  • Bring a tripod, wide angle (15-24mm) fast lens (f/2.8). Pre-focus your lens to infinity during daylight hours
  • Bring warm clothes and a flashlight (red is best)
  • Bring binoculars to see Andromeda in the northeast sky

I will bring three suitable lenses to share that have Canon EF mounts.

Please watch for more updates close to August 8 and August 9 for these two opportunities.

If you have any recommendations for a future outing please let me know.

Posted in Photowalks

Late July – Early August News

Jul
25
2018
by Terry Butler | 0 Comments

Congratulations to Pavel!

“Burning Sunrise” by Pavel Blagev

Gene Schwope, a member of the St. Paul Camera Club, is a long time member of the PSA.   He made an entry to their “Council Challenge” on behalf of N4C.  Pavel’s photo was chosen as first place for nature and his photo will be published in the September edition of the monthly PSA Journal.  The Photographic Society of America is one of the largest, worldwide, non-profit organizations of its kind. Established in 1934, it is for casual shutterbugs, serious amateurs, and professional photographers. PSA has members in over 75 countries.  Congratulations, Pavel, on a well-deserved image!

Salon Meeting on August 1

Our next meeting will feature a salon of member submitted photos with an outside judge who will review and comment on each image.  I think this is one of the best learning opportunities for our members, even if they have not submitted photos.  I like that the photos are made by real people that I know and am always inspired by the talent and growth of our members.

 

Hudson Hospital Group Exhibit August 3, 6-8 pm

Continue reading »

Posted in Club Event, Competition, Exhibits, News

Join Us for the Scavenger Hunt!

Jul
01
2018
by Terry Butler | 0 Comments

“Break Time” a 2017 Scavenger Hunt photo by Betty Bryan

It’s July again, and time for our third  annual Scavenger Hunt! We will meet at 6:30 pm, July 11, in the River room at the Phipps. We’ll have ice cream treats to kick off the evening, and, since I’ll be out of town that week, Pete Mutschler and Richard Hudson will give you a list of ten subjects to shoot in downtown Hudson and along the river that evening. These scavenger hunts have always produced an amazing variety of images; it’s a great opportunity to stretch your imagination.

Unlike the past two years, we’ll have our treats first, so you can shoot into the evening, but all shooting has to be completed by midnight. You’ll have one week to process and submit your images and we’ll post them in a gallery. Every participant who captures all of the items on the list will receive a prize. Other prizes will be awarded based on popular vote by the participants. For inspiration, here’s a gallery of the 2017 Scavenger Hunt.

In case we get rained out a new blog post will be made cancelling the meeting and there will be an alternate date set at a later time.

Posted in Club Event, Club Meeting Info

Two Special Events in September

Jun
28
2018
by Terry Butler | 0 Comments

Announcing “Blufftops & Visions”  N4C Convention

The 62nd annual convention of the North Central Camera Club Council (N4C) will be held in the historic river city of Dubuque, Iowa, on September 13-14-15, 2018.

Seminars & Photo Shoots will include:

  • Millwork and Models creative photo shoot in Dubuque’s Historic Millwork District (bellydancer, and more!)
  • Get inspired by St. Luke’s Tiffany windows
  • See Edward Curtis’ historic photographs of The North American Indian at the Dubuque Museum of Art.

Keynote Speakers will include:

  • Iván Ferrero, landscape photographer extraordinaire, from Toledo, Spain.
  • Brandon Erdman, winner of National Geographic and the Arizona Tourism Department’s #UnRealAZ photo contest.
  • Stephanie Johnson, expert in abstract photography using Intentional Camera Movement.
  • and more!

Registration is now open.  Please visit the Dubuque Camera Club website for more details.

Interstate Photo Day – Saturday, September 22, 8:30-4:30

Where:  Wisconsin Interstate Park, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin

This free event is sponsored by Twin City Area Council of Camera Clubs and is planned and hosted by St. Croix Valley Camera Club

Keynote Speaker:  Craig Blacklock on his book, St. Croix & Namekagon Rivers—the Enduring Gift

Presentations:

  • “Photographing Wildlife”
  • “Composition”
  • “Taking Portraits Outdoors”
  • “Macro Photography”
  • “Growing as a Photographer for Novices”

Photo Opportunities:

  • Guided photo hikes by park naturalists, a Master Gardener and native plant expert, and club members
  • Self-guided photo locations—over half a dozen possibilities, including from a kayak
  • Photo Scavenger Hunt

Free River Boat Cruise

Registration will open the first week of August

Posted in Educational, News

July is just around the corner

Jun
27
2018
by Terry Butler | 2 Comments

Let’s Shoot Fireworks!

2017 Hudson Fireworks by Bryan Leonard

This year Hudson’s fireworks display will be at Lakefront Park on Sunday, July 1, at dusk.  It will cap off the Booster Days festivities that includes live music, a beer garden, carnival rides, a parade, live music and more.   For more details on Hudson’s Booster Days celebration click on this link.  Stillwater’s fireworks display will be on Wednesday, the 4th, beginning at dusk (around 10:00 pm). 

2017 Hudson Fireworks by Terry Butler

Bryan Leonard and I shot fireworks last year at just about the same time, ten minutes after ten.  Bryan’s shot was taken from in front of the Phipps and he used a wide angle lens (18mm) f/ll, ISO 100 for 5 seconds.  I took the walking path that is parallel to the I94 bridge and wish I had brought bug spray.  Mine was a composite that was shot at ISO 100, f/11 and the fireworks shots ranged from two to four seconds at 55mm.  This year I plan on being at the Phipps by 9:00 pm, so meet me there!

Photowalks and Galleries

I need your photos for galleries!  Please send your photos to photowalk@wiphotoclub.com Size them so that they are 960 pixels on the longest side and give them a title that includes your name.  Photos to include:

  • The Wall that Heals exhibit at the Minnesota state capitol last weekend
  • Blooming Butterflies exhibit at Como Park taken any time this year or last year
  • Fireworks or 4th of July celebrations

Important:  July Meeting Date

I’ll be making another blog post, but for now, please remember that we will be meeting on the second Wednesday, July 14, 6:30 pm, instead of July 4.  Richard Hudson and Pete Mutschler will host a Scavenger Hunt and Ice Cream Social.

Everything you could possibly want to know about shooting fireworks is contained in this video by John Cornicello that he did for Creative Live.  It’s an hour long, but as I said, it includes everything, including making double exposures for getting more bang in one shot.

See ya Sunday night!

Posted in Club Meeting Info, Photowalks, Technical

Phipps Call for Artists – Three Opportunities

Jun
17
2018
by Terry Butler | 0 Comments

Heart of the River | National Call for Artists | Submission by July 1, 2018

  • Celebrating the First 50 Years of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
  • A juried exhibition at The Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson, WI
  • September 14 – October 21, 2018

Artists are encouraged to submit work for “Heart of the River” that expresses the significance of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway in their lives, and communicates that connection through unique depictions, interpretations, impressions, memories, and hopes for the future.  Click this link for more information.

Annual Call for Artists | Deadline July 1, 2018

The Phipps is seeking submissions from visual artists in Wisconsin and Minnesota for exhibition opportunities in The Galleries of The Phipps in 2020 – 2021 and in four public exhibition programs in 2019 – 2020: at Hudson Hospital & Clinic; Westfields Hospital & Clinic in New Richmond, WI; Croixdale in Bayport, MN; and Woodland Hill in Hudson, WI.

Submissions will be considered for all exhibition opportunities, and may be accepted in more than one. Scheduling will be coordinated to avoid overlaps.  Individual artist submissions as well as proposals for two-person or group exhibitions are encouraged.  Click this link for more information.

Members’ Spotlight Call for Artists & Performers | Submissions due July 20

  • Galleries Exhibit: August 2 – September 9, 2018
  • Participants may submit up to two items to be shown in the Galleries Exhibit
  • All participants must be current members. Not a member? Not a problem – Phipps bylaws allow you to join for as little as a dollar (but thirty is better!) If you are new to The Phipps or have not donated since October 31, 2017, checks can be mailed to The Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust Street, Hudson, WI 54016. Membership can also be paid on the phone via credit card, or in person with cash or credit.
  • On-line entry forms are due Friday, July 20, 4:00 p.m. Click this link for more information.

 

Posted in Exhibits